The North East has been enjoying reasonably warm temperatures during the school summer holidays, although we'd all prefer a bit less rain.

One of Britain’s most toxic plants also likes the warm weather - and it’s thriving at the height of summer.

Burns from the giant hogweed plant are highly poisonous and exposure could lead to hospitalisation.

Experts say the plant, which was introduced to the country by collectors in the 1800s, is a health risk.

Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself safe from giant hogweed.

What is giant hogweed?

Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a weed which has dangerous effects on human health.

Growing up to five metres tall, its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours.

Effectively it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can lead to very bad sunburn and scarring.

Volunteers receive training in Giant Hogweed (Image: Handout)

What does it look like?

It’s actually really pretty and looks a bit like cow parsley. It’s got green stem spotted with dark red which varies from 3–8 cm in diameter. Each dark red spot on the stem surrounds a hair, and large, coarse white hairs occur at the base of the leaf stalk.

It produces white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is up to 80 cm in diameter across its flat top.

Where did giant hogweed come from?

Giant hogweed was among foreign plants introduced to Britain in the 19th century as ornamental plants, but as a result it’s now widespread throughout the British Isles.

It’s invasive, which means that it chokes off other plants and can reduce wildlife in an area.

Where does giant hogweed grow?

It is found in most of the UK, along footpaths and riverbanks though it also grows in places like parks, cemeteries and wasteland.

An example of the burns to the skin that Giant Hogweed can cause (Image: Handout)

How does giant hogweed hurt humans?

The sap of giant hogweed has chemicals which are toxic to humans and cause photosensitivity.

When they touch skin, they effectively remove any protection against the sunlight.